Nimba Patra
Azadirachta indica
Nimba Patra (Azadirachta indica) is a plant used in Ayurveda. Nimbolide from leaf has rapid oral absorption (Tmax ~1.5 h) but undergoes significant first-pass metabolism. Leaf polyphenols show pH-dependent absorption with better uptake in alkaline intestinal environment.
| Botanical name | Azadirachta indica |
|---|---|
| Family | Meliaceae · other entries in this family |
| Order | Sapindales |
| Also known as | Nimba Patra, NimbaPatra |
| Taxon identifiers | GBIF 3190474 · Wikidata Q170461 · NCBI Taxonomy 124943 |
Names and identification
| Language | Name |
|---|---|
| English | Nimba Patra |
Ayurvedic pharmacology (Dravyaguna)
| Property | Value | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Rasa (Taste) | Tikta | Primary taste |
| Guna (Quality) | Laghu, Ruksha | Physical quality |
| Virya (Potency) | Sheeta | Heating/Cooling effect |
| Vipaka (Post-digestive) | Katu | Post-digestive effect |
Dosage forms and preparation
Dosage Forms: Tablet, Capsule, Churna, Swarasa (fresh juice), Kwatha (decoction), Lepa (paste), Mouthwash, Toothpaste formulation
Standard Dosage: 1-3 g dried leaf powder twice daily; 10-20 mL fresh leaf juice daily; 300-500 mg standardized leaf extract twice daily
Bioavailability: Quercetin and other flavonoids from neem leaf show oral bioavailability of 15-25%; improved to 40-55% via phospholipid complexation or solid dispersion with PVP. Nimbolide from leaf has rapid oral absorption (Tmax ~1.5 h) but undergoes significant first-pass metabolism. Leaf polyphenols show pH-dependent absorption with better uptake in alkaline intestinal environment.
Optimal Timing: Early morning on empty stomach for blood purification (Swarasa). After meals for blood sugar management. Mouthwash: after brushing, twice daily.
Standardized Extract: Standardized neem leaf extract (10:1) with minimum quercetin 2%, nimbolide 0.5%, and total phenolics >8% (GAE). Aqueous spray-dried extract with validated HPTLC fingerprint.
Shelf Life: Fresh juice: 6-8 hours (unpreserved); Dried powder: 12-18 months; Standardized extract: 24 months; Tablets/Capsules: 24-36 months
Storage: Fresh leaves: refrigerated 2-8 deg C. Dried powder and extracts: airtight containers, below 25 deg C, RH <55%, protected from light. Avoid metal containers due to tannin-metal complexation.
Marker Compounds: Quercetin, Nimbolide, Kaempferol, Rutin, Gallic acid, Catechin, Beta-sitosterol, Nimbanene
Extraction Methods
- Aqueous decoction (5-10% w/v)
- Hydroalcoholic extraction (60% ethanol)
- Fresh juice extraction by mechanical pressing
- Spray drying of aqueous extract with maltodextrin
- Ultrasound-assisted extraction for flavonoid-enriched fractions
Synergistic Combinations
- Tulsi (antimicrobial and immunomodulatory synergy)
- Haridra (anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective)
- Guduchi (blood sugar management combination)
- Karanja Patra (dermatological combination)
- Triphala (comprehensive detox with neem leaf)
Published research
Literature indexed in PubMed that concerns this subject, grouped by study type. A paper appearing here is a record of what has been published, not evidence that the subject works, and laboratory or animal results do not transfer to people. Study titles link to PubMed so you can read the source rather than take our word.
Systematic reviews and meta-analyses2
- 2021. Antiplasmodial, antimalarial activities and toxicity of African medicinal plants: a systematic review of literatureMalaria journal. PMID 34433465 · doi:10.1186/s12936-021-03866-0
- 2018. Nutritional strategies for psoriasis: current scientific evidence in clinical trialsEuropean review for medical and pharmacological sciences. PMID 30556896 · doi:10.26355/eurrev_201812_16554
Other clinical studies and reviews10
- 2024. Insights into Nimbolide molecular crosstalk and its anticancer propertiesMedical oncology (Northwood, London, England). PMID 38761317 · doi:10.1007/s12032-024-02379-5
- 2024. Therapeutic Applications of Neem (Azadirachta indica): A Narrative ReviewAdvances in mind-body medicine. PMID 39447127
- 2024. Botanical Briefs: Neem Oil (Azadirachta indica)Cutis. PMID 38478934 · doi:10.12788/cutis.0928
- 2024. Alternative first-line malaria treatmentAnnals of African medicine. PMID 38358164 · doi:10.4103/aam.aam_35_23
- 2021. Azadirachta indica A. Juss. In Vivo Toxicity-An Updated ReviewMolecules (Basel, Switzerland). PMID 33419112 · doi:10.3390/molecules26020252
- 2021. Azadirachta indica A. Juss (neem) as a contraceptive: An evidence-based review on its pharmacological efficiencyPhytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology. PMID 34092456 · doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2021.153596
- 2021. Potential benefits of phytochemicals from Azadirachta indica against neurological disordersNeurochemistry international. PMID 33753160 · doi:10.1016/j.neuint.2021.105023
- 2017. Neem (Azadirachta indica): An indian traditional panacea with modern molecular basisPhytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology. PMID 28899496 · doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2017.07.001
- 2016. Potential of neem (Azadirachta indica L.) for prevention and treatment of oncologic diseasesSeminars in cancer biology. PMID 27019417 · doi:10.1016/j.semcancer.2016.03.002
- 2011. Anticancer biology of Azadirachta indica L (neem): a mini reviewCancer biology & therapy. PMID 21743298 · doi:10.4161/cbt.12.6.16850
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